Blog One- Like a Boss

Sydney Opera House

I am Sean Blashe and I am a sophomore at Grayslake North. I enjoy playing sports, and am a member of the soccer, basketball, and baseball teams at the school. I do well in school and enjoy learning, especially about new things. I am usually independent and overall I am a very hardworking person. Because I enjoy learning new things, I am especially looking forward to leaving the continent for the first time to learn about different places.

I signed up for this course because I have a desire to visit all seven of the continents at some point in my life. I enjoy learning about new cultures and countries and find that even learning about other cultures in a classroom is still very eye-opening. When the opportunity presented itself to allow for me to visit another continent so soon, I thought that the experience could be extremely beneficial and a great experience. I also enjoy traveling within the United States and thought I could take this to the next level by signing up for the trip. I believe that being able to visit Australia and New Zealand will enhance my knowledge as well as give me an amazing experience.

By traveling abroad, I hope that I am able to learn about the culture and ways of life of people that live in places other than America. The idea that people's lives can be so different from one another is something that has fascinated me. When I travel out of the country, I hope that I am able to increase my knowledge, understanding, and tolerance of other peoples that as of now I know little about. Also, I hope that by traveling abroad, my eyes are opened as to how different the culture of one country can vary from that of America. I realize that other countries' lifestyles differ from ours, but I hope by traveling abroad I am able to experience and gain a new respect for other people's lives.

I am specifically interested in Australia and New Zealand because I do not know that much about the history of these two countries. History has always been my favorite subject, regardless of whose history I am learning about. Because I do not know much about these countries, I had a strong desire to learn more about them. I know that Australia is full of rich culture and history, and that is something I would greatly like to learn more about. There are many sights in Australia, such as the Opera House in Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, that are inspiring to people worldwide. To see these things and be able to say that I saw some of the most amazing things in the world would be a memory I would forever cherish.The culture, history, and unique places in these countries lead me to have a strong interest in visiting these countries.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef

I feel that learning about a country before I actually go there can greatly enhance and improve my traveling experience. By previously learning about the country before leaving, I am slightly exposed and prepared for things that could have possibly hindered the experience. If I am able to gain even a very general knowledge about Australia and New Zealand, then I feel that my experience would be better. I would be able to prepare myself for what lies ahead, yet still enjoy the many surprises that would occur while on the trip. If I already have an understanding of the culture and the way those people live, it will prevent me from forming stereotypes and generalizations about those groups of people. I would be more open to their ways of life and able to enjoy my experience even more.                                                             
                                           

The Australian Outback